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Efficient and flexible complete machining of V8 and V12 diesel engines

Automated production cell with Heckert HEC 800 machining centers replaces transfer line

Tatra Trucks, the oldest manufacturer of road and off-road vehicles and the second oldest manufacturer of trucks with internal combustion engines in the world, is bringing its engine production up to the latest standards. A production cell with three Heckert HEC 800 machining centers, automated by a pallet system, increases efficiency, and reduces the space requirement to almost a quarter.


Tatra, an automotive manufacturer from Kopřivnice, Czech Republic, started producing carriages as early as 1850 and has been making cars since the end of the 19th century. Today, it is mainly the heavy Tatra trucks that impress with their off-road performance, high reliability, and outstanding utility properties – even in extreme weather conditions such as frost and desert temperatures.

One of the special features of the vehicles is the Tatra concept, a chassis with a central support tube and individually suspended semi-axles, which makes it possible to mount a chassis with any number of axles, from 4 × 4 to 12 × 12 and more. The direct air-cooled V8 and V12 diesel engines of the Tatra T3 series with supercharging and intake air cooler are also among the USPs. Production takes place at the company’s headquarters in Kopřivnice, Czech Republic. The complete chassis for the T158 Phoenix vehicles, which are available with various superstructures such as containers, concrete mixers, tanks, and special superstructures, is produced there. In addition, vehicles from the T815-7 Force series are produced, which are available in both civilian versions (e.g. as fire engines, etc.) and military versions. Technology and Process Manager Martin Kappler explains: “We manufacture almost all components for our Force series vehicles ourselves: the complete chassis, cabin, engine, and gearbox.” Tatra’s production portfolio also includes the Tactic series of medium- sized vehicles, which are designed exclusively for military purposes.

“We manufacture almost all components for our Force series vehicles ourselves: the complete chassis, cabin, engine and gearbox.”

Martin Kappler, Technology and Process Manager

Production cell is expanded step by step

The new Heckert HEC 800, which was delivered at the beginning of 2025, is the basis for the production cell that has now been put into operation. The machine has special equipment, including, for example, a travel path extended to 81 in. (2,050 mm) in the Z-axis, an NC axis in the spindle for controlling special tools and a magazine for long tools up to 49 in. (1,250 mm). Process Manager Kappler explains: “The cell takes over the complete machining of our 8- and 12-cylinder motor housings and is increasingly replacing the transfer line.” The blanks are cast parts made of copper-alloyed GG20 cast iron with dimensions of around 47 × 24 × 28 in. (1,200 × 600 × 700 mm) and a weight of around 882 lb. (400 kg). Complete machining is carried out in four clamping processes with special hydraulic clamping devices developed and manufactured by Starrag. In a second step, the production cell will soon be expanded to include an identical Heckert HEC 800 machine. And in a third expansion stage, Starrag is integrating the Heckert HEC 800, which is currently still responsible for the external pre-machining of the cast blanks.

A flexible pallet storage system, which consists of a shelf with twelve pallet spaces and a linear conveyor, automates the production cell. The latter handles the pallet transfer between the machines and the machine setup stations. The pallet storage system will also be further expanded as the number of machines grows.

TATRA Trucks & Starrag

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